Professionals are called experts for a reason. They know what they’re talking about. They’ve experienced failure and success, making them knowledgeable in their field. However, information quickly changes, making it irrelevant. But the ancient information found in the Bible is still relevant to us today. For instance, one of my favorite adages from the Old Testament is Ahab’s reply to Ben-hadad in 879 B.C.

And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off (1 Kings 20:11).

Smiling.

Though Ahab wasn’t exactly a role model, I like to keep that scripture in mind when starting a new project because it keeps me on my toes!

Biblical truths never become obsolete. So when I feel the thorns of discontentment, I turn to the epistles. Paul is at the top of my list for expert advice on staying balanced amid troubles and trials.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11).

Was Paul an expert, or was he a fly-by-night charlatan selling unconfirmed data? It’s easy to boast in things we know nothing about. Ben-hadad did. Of course, it’s a whole different matter when you’ve been initiated by experience. Let’s look at the word contented.

Contented: feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation

Merriam-Webster

In Second Corinthians, we read Paul was beaten with rods three times, stoned once, shipwrecked multiple times, and spent a day and night stranded in the sea. He suffered hunger, thirst, nudity, and cold. He was familiar with pain and fatigue. If anyone had the right to feel discontented with his situation, Paul did. But he didn’t complain. Instead, he told the Philippians that he’d learned contentment no matter his circumstances.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11).

I’m sure Paul would rather have been on the mission field than stuck in a Roman prison. But his mind and heart were content because he knew God’s grace was sufficient for his needs. He trusted God’s strength to carry him through it all.

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:12-13).

Experience taught Paul contentment with God’s provision in the best of times and in the worst of times. He learned the dangers of judging his circumstances through his emotions and vision. Instead, he chose to think on “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report …” 

I’ve never been beaten with Roman rods, stoned, shipwrecked, or stranded in the sea. Thank God! I am well acquainted with pain, weakness, and fatigue, however. I would prefer to be healthy, doing what I want to do. That sounds a little like self-will, but I mean it in the best way.

Unfortunately, I can’t fix me. I’m learning to focus more and more on Jesus and not on my issues. I’m also learning the difference between contentment with my circumstances and contentment due to God’s provision within my circumstances. We will never find contentment in difficult situations, but we can always find pleasure in God’s provision to see us through. Easy? You and I both know the answer to that question.

Contentment requires learning self-control by not allowing our thoughts to dwell on our circumstances but on things above. It also requires power. Therefore, we must draw our daily supply from God through Christ Jesus. Let us draw near to the Lord with thanksgiving, prayers, and supplications. In His strength, we will find contentment.

In His strength, I find contentment. #devotional #hope @GailJohnson87

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Are you learning contentment? Want to learn more? Check out Paul’s letter to the Philippians.